North Korea confirms mystery woman is leader's wife

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju, waves to the crowd as they inspect the Rungna People's Pleasure Ground in Pyongyang on July 25. This photo was released by the Korean Central News Agency on July 26.

KCNA - KNS via AP

Kim Jong Un inspects a swimming pool as he attends the completion ceremony of the Rungna People's Pleasure Ground on July 25.

KCNA - KNS via AP

Kim Jong Un, center, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju, left, touches a display as they inspect the Rungna People's Pleasure Ground in Pyongyang on July 25.

KCNA via EPA

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un smiles while enjoying a ride at the Rungna People's Pleasure Ground in Pyongyang in this image taken from the Web site of the Korean Central News Agency on July 26.

The announcement, which fits a trend the upbeat Kim has followed to break out of the dour management style of his late father, Kim Jong-il, came just two weeks after he was seen at a gala performance accompanied by the woman, with rumors swirling as to whether she was his wife, lover or sister.

The once-mysterious well-dressed woman often seen by Kim Jong Un's side, was revealed to be his wife, Ri Sol Ju. News of the newlyweds took U.S. officials by surprise. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.